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NBA awards watch/ few Pacers mentioned

1. Roy Hibbert, Pacers: Sure, the season is fewer than 20 games old, but barring a significant injury or drop-off in production, this award is his to lose. He roughed up Pau Gasol and the boys for 24 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists Sunday. (Last week: 1)

5. (tie) Tom Thibodeau, Bulls and Jim O'Brien, Pacers : Thibodeau has Chicago sitting in first place in the Central Division, and one of his toys -- Carlos Boozer -- hasn't played a minute yet.

O'Brien added the Lakers to the list of heavyweight title contenders his Pacers have knocked off this season. (Last week: 3 and 4)

Re: NBA awards watch/ few Pacers mentioned

It's between Roy and Beasley, and it's going to be a battle. Roy's blocks and assists might just do the trick.

The Pacers have had several MIPs, but of them all Roy is the most impressive in his improvement. This isn't just more minutes or a role change or improved offense, this is a pure, 100% body makeover. You see the shadow of the player he was before, hints and rumors of how he used to play, but that's overwhelmed by the quicker, tougher, and more durable version that stands in his place.

Re: NBA awards watch/ few Pacers mentioned

It's between Roy and Beasley, and it's going to be a battle. Roy's blocks and assists might just do the trick.

The Pacers have had several MIPs, but of them all Roy is the most impressive in his improvement. This isn't just more minutes or a role change or improved offense, this is a pure, 100% body makeover. You see the shadow of the player he was before, hints and rumors of how he used to play, but that's overwhelmed by the quicker, tougher, and more durable version that stands in his place.

I'm hoping team success is the factor that gives Hibbert the advantage over guys like Love and Beasley. The wolves are likely to have a terrible record, and Hibbert's improvement will be a big factor in the overall improvement of this team. Especially if he is anchoring our vastly improved defense, something the other two aren't known for.

"As a bearded man, i was very disappointed in Love. I am gathering other bearded men to discuss the status of Kevin Love's beard. I am motioning that it must be shaved."

Re: NBA awards watch/ few Pacers mentioned

Beasley shouldn't win the award. On a per minute/possession basis, he isn't rebounding more, he isn't getting more assists, he isn't getting more steals or blocks, his turnovers are up and he's still a very poor defender. He is scoring a lot more but with a relatively low efficiency - 53% TS% - and even that level of efficiency is due to shooting 46% from 3 and 49% in long 2s. Is this an improved player or the same player taking more shots and hitting an incredible amount of long jumpers? If he keeps that up maybe he has a shot, but that efficiency in long jumpers have already started declining in the past few games.

I'm surprised there's no mention of Russell Westbrook. He should be a strong contender for this award.

Re: NBA awards watch/ few Pacers mentioned

Beasley shouldn't win the award. On a per minute/possession basis, he isn't rebounding more, he isn't getting more assists, he isn't getting more steals or blocks, his turnovers are up and he's still a very poor defender. He is scoring a lot more but with a relatively low efficiency - 53% TS% - and even that level of efficiency is due to shooting 46% from 3 and 49% in long 2s. Is this an improved player or the same player taking more shots and hitting an incredible amount of long jumpers? If he keeps that up maybe he has a shot, but that efficiency in long jumpers have already started declining in the past few games.

As a shortcut, I always look at PER. It's pace adjusted and minute adjusted, so it's a good way to see if a player is playing better/more productively vs. just playing more.

Beasley's at 17.3 vs. 16.1 last season and 17.2 as a rookie.

Hibbert's at 21.3 vs. 16.2 last season and 16.1 as a rookie.

It's not the end of what I review, but it's a good way to weed guys out.